Community Services Officer

Job Description:

Community Services Officer

Description

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

Thank you for your interest in our Community Services Officer position. We look forward to the opportunity to consider you as an applicant.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 411 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

We are seeking a proactive and versatile individual to provide essential, non-sworn support to the Tulare Police Department. This complex role requires an individual capable of managing a variety of administrative, patrol, and community outreach functions, serving as a critical link between the department and the public.

The ideal candidate is a highly organized, customer-service-oriented professional who can operate effectively in a dynamic law enforcement environment. They will excel at interpreting and applying Federal, State, and local laws, managing complex records, and representing the Police Department with professionalism and integrity in various community settings. We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit a detailed application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

For planning purposes, we have included reference to our recruitment process and timeline. Please plan now to participate in each phase of the recruitment process. Additional details will be sent to candidates after the application deadline and our screening process is complete.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWTulare Police Department is a progressive and innovative department that works collaboratively with community members and groups, business leaders, and various public and private agencies, to address crime, the underlying causes of crime, and the overall quality of life in our community.

The department is comprised of three very distinct divisions that work collectively for the safety of the community and our many visitors throughout the year. The divisions of Patrol, Investigations, and Administration are comprised of individual units that are trained and equipped to handle calls for service and investigations ranging from minor to the very complex.

We engage in various community policing strategies designed to build trust within the community and the department through open communication, empowerment, and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders so that together, we can solve community problems in creative ways.

Our officers adopt multiple roles, including law enforcer, public servant, and social worker in the performance of their duties. Balancing these many, often conflicting roles and knowing which role is appropriate at any given moment, requires keen decision-making, judgment and adaptability.

As a leader in public service, we are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in our recruitment, hiring and retention practices. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain a talented and dedicated workforce where people of diverse races, genders, religions, cultures, political affiliations, and lifestyles thrive.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS: Applicants that meet the minimum requirements for the position will be required to take part in the following steps of the recruitment process:

1. Written Exam: If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position you will be invited to take a written exam which is the first phase of our recruitment process. The exam will be administered Tuesday morning, December 16, 2025.

Exam Content - The written exam (multiple choice format) will be based on the following categories:

*Oral Communication
*Reading Comprehension
*Written Communication
*Understanding and Evaluating Tables, Charts, and Graphs
*Map Reading
*Name and Number Matching
*Interpreting Diagrams and Forms
*Mathematical Ability
*Interpersonal Relations

2. Preliminary Background Review: Applicants that pass the written exam will be invited to complete a POST Personal History Statement - Form 2-251. A preliminary review of the Personal History Statement (PHS) will be conducted to determine suitability for the position in accordance with Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST).

Candidates deemed suitable for the position based upon the preliminary review of their PHS will be eligible to advance to the interview phase. Applicants may review the contents of the PHS and begin completing it, by clicking on the following link: https://post.ca.gov/portals/0/post_docs/publications/2-251-phsPeaceOfficers.pdf

3. Panel Interview: Applicants that pass the written exam with a score of 70% or greater and the preliminary review of their PHS, will be eligible to participate in the interview phase on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

4. Chiefs' Interview: The top five candidates ranked in order of their interview score, will be invited to interview with the Police Chief and members of his command staff.

5. Comprehensive Background Investigation: The candidate(s) recommended for hire will undergo a thorough background investigation. The background investigation includes: a check of motor vehicle records, a search of local, state, and federal fingerprint files to determine any criminal record, contacts with references, as well as other areas of investigation.

6. Pre-Employment Physical: The goal of the medical examination is to determine whether the applicant has any medical condition which would preclude the safe and efficient performance of the position.

We look forward to the opportunity to consider you for a position with our department.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision, performs a variety of complex activities in administering non-sworn police support services and programs for the City's Police Department; provides comprehensive staff support on a wide variety of law enforcement programs, projects, and services; responds to public requests; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. No supervision of staff is exercised.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a non-sworn classification within the Police Department. The incumbent performs various administrative and patrol duties in support of designated program activities and is responsible for providing administrative-level support to the assigned management staff in a variety of areas. This class is distinguished from other administrative classifications in that it functions at a higher and more complex support role and may have a specialization in specific programs and related activities.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

When performing all assignments:

• Takes information from the public regarding thefts, accidents, lost and found property, and other incidents that do not require the presence of a law enforcement officer at the scene; completes standard police reports for review by sworn officers.
• Assists in booking, fingerprinting, searching and transporting prisoners as required; periodically checks individuals held in detention facilities.
• Provides comprehensive staff support to the Police Department on a wide variety of programs, projects, and services.
• Provides initial non-emergency contact with the public and representatives of other agencies requesting police records or related services at a public counter or over the telephone; determines the nature of the contact; provides factual information regarding services, policies and procedures or directs the caller to the proper individual or agency.
• Provides applications for a variety of permits and licenses to the public; explains policies and procedures and processes completed forms.
• Maintains accurate departmental and law enforcement records and files; researches and compiles information from such files.
• Interprets Federal, State and local legislation, policies, laws, codes and regulations; researches, analyzes, and coordinates their application to the City's operations.
• Prepares and processes a variety of reports and records using a word processor and/or typewriter and following established formats, distributes to the proper individual or agency, files reports, and maintains automated or manual logs of departmental actions.
• Transports patrol vehicles, radios, and other equipment for maintenance to appropriate destination.
• Performs additional duties as needed in the absence of assigned police support personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When performing patrol activities:

• Patrols City streets and facilities to provide security support; follows-up on complaints regarding abandoned vehicles; issues citations and arranges for the towing or other abatement of abandoned or illegally parked vehicles.
• Patrols in efforts to deter crime, including communicating with residents regarding on-going crime related problems, taking crime reports, and providing support to crime victims.
• Monitors and assists sworn officers in crowd control as required.
• Assists sworn staff with investigations including searches at crime scenes.
• Transports patrol vehicles, radios, and other equipment for maintenance to appropriate destination.
• Performs required research in order to locate information for police use, including gathering available information on wanted and paroled persons, and property owners as necessary.

When performing traffic activities:

• Responds to non-injury traffic collisions, obtains statements from involved parties, completes standard police reports for review by sworn officers.
• Searches and responds to reported parking violations and write citations for vehicles that are illegally parked.
• Assists officers with injury and fatality traffic collision reports.
• Transports, sets up, and ensures radar and DUI trailer are operating effectively.
• Makes determination and stores vehicles that require removal from the roadway.
• Monitors and assists sworn officers at DUI checkpoints and in controlling traffic as required.
• Performs crossing guard duties.
• Confirm and approve corrections made on vehicle citations.
• Compile traffic statistics; promote traffic safety

When performing crime prevention activities:

• Assists in the formulation and development of a program of public information and education on the use of the Police Department facilities, programs, activities, and services by selecting, preparing, and distributing information through various media sources.
• Receives inquiries and provides information to the public regarding a wide variety of crime prevention topics, including drafting and sending out new releases on related issues and successfully communicating with a variety of news media.
• Plans, promotes, and participates in local community events related to crime prevention and safety, including determining appropriate events and taking appropriate measures to ensure successful implementation.
• Coordinates child safety seat checks to ensure proper installation and usage for interested parties.
• Conducts tours of the police department facilities to members of the community.
• Prepares and assists with the development of various crime prevention circulars and public announcements.

When performing investigation activities:

• Reviews, performs follow-up on, and supplies briefing information, makes copies of reports for the Department of Justice, writes clearances and ensures that dispatch clears missing persons or runaway juveniles cases, maintains files and logs on all missing persons and runaway juveniles; assists in monthly Department of Justice records audit pertaining to follow-up and information on missing persons and runaway juveniles.
• Performs required follow-up functions on crime reports, including booking found property, serving subpoenas, taking missing person, vehicle burglary, forgery, and vandalism reports.
• May process warrants and subpoenas, confirming information provided; distributes them to sworn personnel; maintains status and disposition records and notifies appropriate agencies as required.
• Assists the assigned unit as needed by running RAPS, DMV checks, CAD research, transcribing tapes, answering phones, indexing into Case Management system personnel assigned to cases, and picking up and delivering items pertaining to a case.
• Receives, logs, distributes, and replies to requests for information from the District Attorney's office.
• Maintains, orders, and logs supplies needed for the assigned unit.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Basic functions, principles and practices of law enforcement agencies including crime scene investigations and evidence retention practices and regulations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, policies and statutes.
• Legislative activities of Federal, State and local governments.
• Activities and programs of the City's Police Department.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information related to functional areas.
• Principles and techniques used in the conduct of an effective public information and publicity program for a City or large public agency.
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to media relations, reporting, and news writing.
• Principles and practices of records management.
• Business letter writing and the standard format for correspondence and reports.
• Business arithmetic.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory and legislative organizations.

Ability to:

• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Obtain necessary information from individuals in stressful or emergency situations.
• Interpret, apply, and explain complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Analyze situations and identify pertinent problems/issues; collect relevant information; evaluate realistic options; and recommend/implement appropriate course of action.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.
• Perform technical, detailed and responsible office support work.
• Operate radio communication equipment.
• Compose correspondence independently or from brief instructions.
• Compile and summarize information to prepare clear and accurate reports.
• Use sound, independent judgment within legal, policy and procedural guidelines.
• If applicable, plan, organize, and coordinate a variety of public information, media and legislative related activities and programs.
• If applicable, develop effective public and community outreach strategies and campaigns; work effectively with diverse groups; listen to and discuss problems and complaints tactfully.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Coursework in police science or law enforcement is desirable.

License:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California Driver's License by time of appointment.
• Must pass a detailed background investigation.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; maintain P.O.S.T. Traffic Investigation standards, including mobility and physical strength and stamina to respond to emergency situations and accidents; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain, climbing and descending structures to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate police services equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work indoors and outdoors, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Must be available to work holidays, weekends and off-hours shifts including, but not limited to, 12 hour shifts on a regular basis; may be required to work extended shifts in relief or emergency situations.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 12/3/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$51,502.56 - $62,601.24 Annually